A key role in the innovation system

Swedish businesses and the public sector are undergoing a transition in which rapid digital development brings great opportunities but also increased vulnerability. At the same time, stricter requirements for the use of resources and reduced emissions are driving a renewal process that can strengthen the competitiveness of companies and contribute to a more resilient society. The need for RISE has never been greater.

We already had proof of this at the beginning of the year when it was announced that RISE will be the driving force in two of the five approved programme offices in Sweden's long-term innovation collaboration Impact Innovation, as well as participating in a third. The initiative is very important for Sweden's long-term competitiveness and the transition to a sustainable business sector and society.

The Research and Innovation Bill presented by the Government in December states that RISE is successful in holding together and coordinating complex projects both nationally and within the EU based on its interdisciplinary expertise and neutral position in the Swedish innovation system. The Government also sees RISE as an enabler for developing new expertise in strategically important areas for Sweden. It is therefore particularly gratifying to be ranked fourth in Randstad Employer Brand Research's ranking of Sweden's most attractive employers.

A success factor for RISE and for the development of new technology is the strategic partnerships we have with companies and universities in pioneering areas. During the year, we have signed cooperation agreements with, among others, Telia on 5G and the development of digital infrastructure and University College London on neuroarchitecture and neurodesign. A developed collaboration with the Korea Evaluation Institute of Technology strengthens our position in semiconductor research and the maritime field. In December, it was also decided that Linköping University and RISE will jointly be responsible for one of Europe's seven AI factories.

According to the Draghi report presented during the year, the importance of research and technology infrastructures for a successful Europe is emphasised. RISE's portfolio of world-unique facilities is constantly being developed according to the needs of the world. In October, RISE's new pilot hall for biorefineries was inaugurated in Örnsköldsvik, which, together with modernised facilities in other locations, provides an arena for companies that want to realise innovations for a future bioeconomy.

The battery safety lab, which is also part of SEEL, together with our test environment for automated vehicles, AstaZero, is now TISAX-certified. This means that we can ensure that information and prototypes are handled with high security. During the year, RISE was also appointed as a certification body for the new Sustainable Interiors ecolabel and a notified body for the cybersecurity requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive. In addition, our subsidiary RISE Medical Notified Body has become a notified body for medical devices. Our technology infrastructures provide important support for innovation and market uptake.

In 2024, we continued our work on operational excellence, including business management, cost savings and reprioritisation towards markets with high demand for RISE's cutting-edge expertise and delivery capacity. This work has yielded results.

Our success would not be possible without the deep commitment of customers, partners and employees. It is thanks to you that we can fulfil our role as an innovator in business and society and work together for a sustainable future.

Thank you very much for your co-operation during the year!